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Movie Reviews: 42

The Jackie Robinson Story

42

I’ve read a couple reviews and listened to a couple people’s opinion’s on 42. I’ve heard everything from: “it felt like watching a TV movie” to “it was a little too emotional or sappy” to “don’t miss a minute of it.” After watching this film, I can testify that all of these opinions hold some truth. 42 had an old time feel to it, but I feel that it was a nice touch by the director to help draw the audience into it’s 1940′s setting. The movie was emotional, but considering the circumstances I can definitely understand why this direction was taken. Although 42 has a 2hr & 8 minute run time, not one second felt wasted. As a black man born & raised in the South, I can understand how he felt when being called n*gger & boy. I, like Jackie have been disrespected & treated like I didn’t belong. So, as I watched as he stood strong & broke down those barriers I could not help but feel an intense sense of pride. So, in short, I highly suggest you take the time and enjoy 42.

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The Banned List

The Banned List

 

Many of you may be wondering what the “Banned List” is.  It’s very simple actually.  ”The Banned List” consists of people, places, or things that you choose not to associate yourself with any longer.  For example, if you go to restaurant “A” and you get food poisoning, then you may put restaurant “A” on your “Banned List” until further notice.

My first encounter with the term “Banned List” came when I moved to California and I began working for my current boss Ed.  He was giving me the rundown of the company, and what my responsibilities were.  While he was talking, I noticed that he had a white board hanging on his wall with different sections.  Each section had notes and scribbles indicating different responsibilities or duties that he had to accomplish in the coming weeks.   There was something on this board that just didn’t belong, at least in my eyes….the phrase “Banned List.”  Under this heading was a list of names of different things, foods, and places. Continue reading →

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Light Rail Diaries 5.13.13 (Afternoon Edition)

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5.13.13

(Afternoon Edition)

Have you ever been on a vehicle and didn’t necessarily feel confident that it would hold up? You know, like being a passenger in a car that’s a certified hooptie or flying on a plane that’s creaking at every twist and turn in the air…Today is that day for me. Man, I’m sitting on the light rail train and this thing is creaking so bad it has everybody nervous. This one guy gets on and has the classic line. “Sorry folks, my joints are a little bad…anybody got some WD-40?”

Then, this young lady gets on the train and….well, lets just say that he wasn’t in the best shape. The same guy mutters to himself, but loud enough for us to hear “woah…bootydo.” The things you see and hear on San Jose Light Rail.

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Light Rail Diaries 5.13.13 (Morning Edition)

5.13.13

(Morning Edition)

Summer is right around the corner.  How do I know?  Well, first of all, there were a ton of  BBQ grills that were smoking yesterday.  Then, you couldn’t help but notice all the kids out and about in the neighborhood.  That rolled into this morning when I stepped out of the house to head to the train station.  The cool and comforting air gave me an indication that we are on the cusp of a mighty warm summer.

After I buy my ticket and walk down to the ramp, I see a few more people than normal.  Everyone was dressed in anticipation of a really warm day.  Ladies with skirts strutted their way to the bench while a couple guys rockin’ shorts and T’s skate boarded their way over to the railing to cop a squat for a couple minutes.

Yup, it’s gonna be a warm one.  So warm, in fact.  This one guy hopped on the train fully dressed in his painter’s gear and carrying 3 buckets for the day’s work.  I guess he really wanted to spare the air.  Either way…I’m not hatin’ on ya bro.

“Hey Summer!  I know you’re not due to arrive for about a month and a half, but I would just like to say….welcome.  We missed you.”

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Ma

Amazing….truly amazing!

 

Thirty-three years ago Evelyn Hughes, my momma, was preparing to be a mom for the first time.  I can only imagine how nervous she was.  The fear and anxiousness she felt as she would feel that tiny person moving around in her belly had to be, at some points, intimidating.  Another thing…could she be as good a mother her kids as her own mother was to her and her siblings?

I once heard her tell a story about when she was in her final few weeks of pregnancy.  She was standing in the mirror looking at her belly and was in amazement how much it had grown since she found out she was with child.  After a few minutes….her belly dropped!  In a confused state, and in near shock, she called the one person that she knew would have all the answers…her mom.  ”Ma!”  She yelled in a panic.  ”My…my belly just dropped!  What’s going on?  Is there something wrong with the baby?”  With the calm, cool manner only she seemed to possess,  Mrs Annie (Grandma) told her to “calm down child.  That just means he is on his way.  So, relax.  You will be a mother soon enough.  Don’t worry child of mine.  You will do just fine.” Continue reading →